Question

While waiting for the owner at the last job site meeting, the general contractor mentioned he was trying to decide between a clear-view and a free-lift mast option on a piece of equipment he was considering purchasing. The amount of side shift and the carriage width were also considerations. What type of equipment was he considering?

Answer

He was referring to a forklift. The mast is the vertical telescoping piece that supports the carriage (which then supports the forks). A free lift mast allows the forks to rise without the mast moving and gives the most height for a low clearance machine, but its central hydraulic cylinder blocks visibility. A clear view has two cylinders aligned with the masts and provides for seeing through/between the masts.